He was known to be a hooligan. Technically, he was a “Hooligan” with a capital H. Known by the locals as Happy Hooligan, Fred was one of the more colorful characters of […]
The Unexpected Hero Found in an Unmarked Grave
The Woman Who Prevented a Suicide and Changed the Course of History
Have you ever heard the name of Helen Niemeyer? Perhaps you would know her by her married name, Helen Hanfstaengl? Probably not. In the crowded pages of history books, there is scarcely […]
Why Is This Painting of Bob Hope So Popular?
It isn’t difficult to find an image of Bob Hope. With a career in the entertainment industry that spanned nearly eighty years and with 54 feature films to his credit, it is […]
The Charming Christmas Tradition of the Belly-Slitting Witch
The Ideas Department of Commonplace Fun Facts suggested a series of stories during the month of December about Christmas traditions around the world. “Great,” replied the Research Department. “We’ll find some charming, […]
The Brilliant Physicist Who Caused Destruction Wherever He Went
They say everyone has the capacity of bringing happiness in every location. Some do so by showing up. Others cause happiness by leaving. As far as his colleagues were concerned, Wolfgang Pauli […]
A Diplomatic Solution So Complex That No One Remembers the Solution
If you ever find yourself at a loss to understand the intricacies of international relations, don’t despair. Even professional diplomats can find themselves lost as they navigate the ship of state through […]
Breaking Out of Jail is Completely Legal in These Countries
Just about every society has imprisonment as a potential punishment for lawbreakers. In at least six countries, you might get sent to jail for breaking the law, but you won’t get in […]
Want to Rent An Entire Country?
People are used to using Airbnb for renting a room or a house for a few nights away from home. If you need a little more space — or perhaps you just […]
Someone Needs to Pour Some Chlorine In That Gene Pool
Charles II of Spain (1661-1700) is widely regarded as one of the least competent kings to have reigned. He was the unhappy result of over a century of inbreeding within the Hapsburg […]
No, Seriously… Pull My Finger!
In Austria, Fingerhakeln – or competitive finger-pulling – is a serious sport, with very strict rules. Finger-athletes aim to drag their opponent across the table by just the finger. Fingerhakeln is also […]
Commonplace Fun Facts 